Fire destroys historic lookout tower

NORDMAN — The historic Little Snowy Top Lookout Tower on the Priest Lake Ranger District was destroyed by a fire late Saturday afternoon, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

A member of the public reported the fire to the Northeast Washington Interagency Communications Center. The Coeur d’Alene Interagency Dispatch Center immediately dispatched firefighters to the tower by helicopter. The structure was completely engulfed in flames and could not be saved.

The fire did not escape the immediate area and was completely contained.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Law enforcement officials from the Idaho Panhandle National Forests are leading the investigation with assistance from law enforcement officials on the Colville National Forest, and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.

The Idaho Panhandle National Forests will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.